TIMING is everything. And for Port Adelaide the turning of the script to have more names sticking rather than falling from the selection whiteboard is perfect timing ahead of facing the AFL premier at home in Brisbane and a challenging draw in the home-and-away fixture.
Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines and key forward Jack Lukosius are primed to give Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley reason to willingly change a winning team.
"We are always open for improvement; we are always wanting to get better," said Hinkley after training at Alberton Oval in the lead-up to Saturday night's clash with the second-ranked Brisbane at the Gabba.
"Ollie Wines and Jack Lukosius look like they have got through training okay. If we can make the side better, we do. But we are reluctant to change winning teams. The reality is we have to get everything right from here to the end and if Ollie and Jack are ready to go, we will pick them.
"We have decisions to make at selection (with a squeeze for spots). We have not been in that position often this year. It is nice to have a pretty healthy squad. It gives us a great chance.
"We have a really challenging draw. We know that. If we get a result at the Gabba, our confidence will build."
Hinkley explained the absence of captain Connor Rozee from training as the continuation of isolating players with a cold.
JACK IS BACK: First sidelined by a fractured kneecap in just his second game with Port Adelaide after leaving the Gold Coast, Lukosius has overcome the back spasms that came with rehabilitation in gym sessions.
His performance in the SANFL at the weekend against South Adelaide has Lukosius ready to start building a partnership in attack with Mitch Georgiades.
"He has a big smile on his face," Hinkley said of the 2018 No.2 national draftee. "He got through the SANFL game really well. He is pretty healthy. He was probably our best player in the SANFL. Clearly he has some talent. He is an obvious in if he pulls up well after today.
"Long term we want Jack and Mitch playing together, along with Todd Marshall. It is going to be a pretty damaging group."
THE BIG SIGNING: Port Adelaide's spirit is up also by the signing of new midfielder Miles Bergman to a two-year contract extension.
"Six years of Miles has been pretty damn good. So this ultimately (it is significant) for the success of the club," Hinkley said. "We have looked after our players really well. More often than not, most - nearly all - have stayed with us. Josh Sinn is another this week (with a two-year contract extension). Another Melbourne boy who has stayed.
"It is just a reflection of the footy club. When you have a good environment and good culture, decisions take care of themselves.
"Miles is untapped. He is an outstanding player - it is a great result for lots of reasons. He can play in all sorts of positions."
There is as Hinkley said - "a chance" - Bergman becomes the new vice on Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.
"That might be on the cards," Hinkley said.
OPPO WATCH: Port Adelaide will be seeking its first win against Brisbane at the Gabba since round 6, 2017. There have been five losses since, the most recent the 2023 qualifying final.
Brisbane in Brisbane might have replaced Geelong in Geelong as the most testing road trip in the AFL.
"Brisbane anywhere ...," responds Hinkley. "That is pretty hard. I have seen them win a game at the MCG late last year that told you they were pretty good. They are just a great team. You don't make the last two Grand Finals and win the premiership if you are not a great team. They are clearly that. They are a real challenge - no matter where you play them, they are a massive challenge."
Overall, Brisbane leads the head-to-head count 22-19 with two draws among the 43 games played between the clubs. The ledger has been significantly turned by Brisbane winning seven of the past eight games.
THE TEST: Brisbane demands one key theme from Port Adelaide.
"We have to do it for the full 120 minutes," Hinkley said of the challenge his players face in an intimidating environment in Brisbane.
"Contest and defence," added Hinkley. "Brisbane are going to test you out massively. They are an elite contest team. Their ball movement is so sharp. They are a marking team. They have talent spread right across the field. There is much to stop.
"We are definitely in better form. We are a bit more consistent bar the Sydney game (a fortnight ago). Three out of four, we have been pleased with how we have played. We were disappointed in that Sydney game."
WE REMEMBER: Port Adelaide will pause and reflect on Thursday with the memory of life member and 2004 premiership-winning assistant coach Phil Walsh who died 10 years ago.
"Phil's knowledge and love of the game was real," said Hinkley who had Walsh as his right-hand man as a senior assistant coach at Port Adelaide and first knew Walsh as his fitness coach at Geelong when playing.
"The brilliance of his mind was amazing from a football sense. No-one better. It is a sad moment that he is not with us."
